Dictionary

on the defensive en · ADP

Meanings

1. Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
   • Last year, despite winning 34 of the legislature’s 57 seats with 47 per cent of the popular vote, the NDP was on the defensive almost from the start. 1982 December 11, Frances Russell, “Economic performance buoys Pawley’s position”, in The Vancouver Sun (The Weekend Sun), Vancouver, BC, page A6:
2. defending; playing a defensive game
   • Brazil's greater quality and assurance in possession meant England spent much of the game on the defensive. 2017 November 14, Phil McNulty, “England 0-0 Brazil”, in BBC News:

Antonyms

on the attack

Relateds

initiative · tempo · one step ahead